Public invited to Experience PTA Day open house at Pōhakuloa Training Area

Have you ever wondered what happens at U.S. Army Garrison Pōhakuloa Training Area in the saddle region between Mauna Loa and Maunakea on the Big Island? Well, you can find out during Experience PTA Day later this month.

Pōhakuloa Training Area is hosting the free open house day for the public from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 20. The event will offer a chance to learn about the training, land stewardship and community relations programs that go on at the base. U.S. Army and Marine Corps aircrafts, vehicles and equipment will be on display; troops will be available to engage with public; and science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, activities will be offered by the base’s natural and cultural resources programs for keiki and adults.

Food trucks will be available and entertainment will be provided by the Army Band.

There is no set schedule of events; members of the public are welcome to visit each activity at their own pace. There will be a shuttle to take those who attend from the military quarters area to the airfield to view aircrafts and enjoy the entertainment and food.

Participating organizations include the U.S. Army and Army Corps of Engineers, Hawai‘i Army National Guard Soldier and Family Readiness Office, Hawai‘i National Guard Youth Challenge Academy, Kilauea Military Camp, U.S. Marine Corps, Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources Nāpuʻu Readiness and Environment Protection Integration Program, Hilo Veterans Center, Hawai‘i Police Department, American Red Cross, Camp Tarawa Foundation, Hawai‘i Wildfire Management Organization and Waikōloa Firewise, Ho‘ilina Ranch, Honoka‘a Heritage Center, Maunakea Observatories, Special Olympics Hawai‘i and Wounded Warriors.

Comfortable footwear and a light jacket are recommended for visitors.

Adults must present a government-issued ID at the gate, along with vehicle registration and proof of insurance. Random vehicle inspections will be conducted as a safety measure.

More information about Experience PTA Day is available online.

Stay up to date on activities at Pōhakuloa Training Area by following the garrison on Facebook and Instagram @PohakuloaTrainingArea and Twitter @PohakuloaArmy. You can also visit the base website.